A Study in Pink: Your Guide to the Perfect Pink Gin
The pink gin cocktail recipe I’m about to share with you is more than just a cocktail—it’s a little splash of magic in a glass. Combining the crisp elegance of gin with the warm, spicy embrace of Angostura bitters, this recipe is as simple to create as it is delightful to sip. Whether you're hosting a pink-themed soirée, toasting to love on Valentine's Day, or simply indulging in a moment of colorful charm, this drink is sure to bring a blush to your cheeks and a smile to your lips.
Curious about how to make this pink wonder at home? Let’s dive in!
Using a stirring glass, the same kind favored for classics like the Manhattan or Martini, this recipe is all about simplicity and sophistication. With just a few swirls of your bar spoon, you'll be whisking up a drink that’s as refined as it is fun. It’s a little bit of flair, a little bit of tradition, and a whole lot of pink perfection.
As a huge fan of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes, I can’t help but think of this drink as my own “Study in Pink.” It’s mysterious, captivating, and oh-so-enigmatic, just like the episode. So grab your stirring glass, channel your inner detective, and solve the case of crafting the perfect pink gin. After all, life’s more fun when it’s a little pink!
🥘 Ingredients
- Gin – Which gin is best? A classic London Dry Gin is your go-to for this recipe. Its crisp, juniper-forward profile pairs beautifully with the bitters.
- Angostura bitters – What’s that? A must-have for crafting cocktails, these aromatic bitters add depth and complexity. Want to know more? Check out my detailed post here.
- Lemon zest – A bright and zesty garnish that ties everything together with a refreshing citrus twist!
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Take a chilled stirring glass and pour in your gin and Angostura bitters.
Step 2: Fill the glass with cubed ice and give it a good stir. For the best results, glide your bar spoon along the inside edge of the stirring glass. This technique minimizes dilution while chilling the drink to perfection, thanks to the combination of the cold glass and ice.
Step 3: Place a Hawthorne or Julep strainer on top of the stirring glass to keep the ice inside. Then, fine-strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass for that smooth, polished finish.
Step 4: Garnish with a twist of lemon zest. Voilà! Your pink gin is ready to impress.
🍽 Equipment
- Stirring glass
- Bar spoon
- Jigger (Measuring tools)
- Hawthorne or Julep Strainer and a fine strainer (or you get yourself a lovely cocktail strainer set)
- Cocktail glass
- Sharp knife and cutting board
💭 Top tips
Why Fine Strain?
Fine straining ensures your cocktail is silky smooth by removing any tiny ice shards or pulp that might sneak into the glass. It’s the secret to a polished, professional-looking drink with a pristine texture—because your pink gin deserves nothing less!
Which Gin for a Pink Gin Cocktail?
While London Dry Gin is the classic choice for its clean, juniper-forward flavor, you can experiment with other types of gin to suit your taste or use what you have on hand:
- Plymouth Gin: A bit softer and earthier, with less juniper punch.
- Flavored Gins: Berry or floral-infused gins can add an extra layer of sweetness or fragrance to your pink gin.
- Old Tom Gin: Slightly sweeter than London Dry, it can bring a touch of richness to the drink.
- American or New Western Gin: These gins often highlight botanicals beyond juniper, adding a unique twist to the cocktail.
The beauty of a pink gin is its simplicity—it pairs well with a variety of gins. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Other Recipes for You to Try
- Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
- Bourbon Old Fashioned
- Maple Old Fashioned
- Heart-Shaped Puff Pastry Cookies
- A Valentine's Day treat • Puffed Rice Hearts with two kinds of Chocolate
- No-bake Lotus Biscoff Cake Pops
- Mixed Berry Mimosa
- Valentines Raspberry Cheesecake {no-bake}
- Marbled Heart Cookies with Fig Jam
- Pink Cookies
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.
📖 Recipe
Pink Gin Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Hawthorne or Julep strainer
- Cocktail Glass
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Cubed Ice for the stirring glass
- Lemon zest as a garnish
Instructions
- Take a chilled stirring glass and pour in 2 oz Gin and 2 dashes Angostura Bitters.2 oz Gin, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Fill the glass with Cubed Ice and stir gently. Glide your bar spoon along the inside edge of the stirring glass to minimize dilution and chill the drink perfectly.Cubed Ice
- Place a Hawthorne or Julep strainer on top of the stirring glass to hold back the ice, then fine-strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a Lemon zest and enjoy!Lemon zest
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
Sonja says
I love Sherlock with Benedict too, so I clearly had to make this Pink Gin. It was amazing with all the layers of flavor in each sip coming through and so quick to make. Will certainly have this on my regular cocktail list from now on.
Swathi says
Pin Gin cocktail is delicious I like this kind of simple yet refreshing cocktail.
Lathiya says
This pink gin cocktail is a hit at our friends' get-together party. The flavor was refreshing.